Brief Description

For Units 2, 4, 7 and 9, there will be short case studies. The case method of learning requires that each student prepares for the case on their own. While there are no right or wrong answers, there are good and bad analyses as well as hasty and impractical recommendations. Case studies provide a realistic framework for the learning process.

Successful response will depend heavily on your preparation and active participation in the class discussions.Students will be rewarded by marshaling evidence in the case analysis and applying critical thinking of the course readings. If students actively read and comprehend the assigned readings, they will be able to answer the case study question in a pragmatic manner.

Students will upload their case analysis in the appropriate Moodle portal for grading.

A technical question, such as the development of a scope statement, will require a technical answer that includes the proper industry components and, in some cases, a correct answer or conclusion. Value will be given for a proper approach even if the final answer might miss the exact solution.

Description

The IBM Watson project took three intense years of research and development by a core team of about 20. Eight university teams working on specific challenge areas augmented these researchers. Successful implementation of projects means reaching the goals of the organization and thus meeting needs of its customers.

Materials Required

Refer to:

Larson & Gray, Chapter 2, Snapshot From Practice 2.1: Does IBM Questions 1-3

The Project wizards guide

Detailed Instructions

Read the Case Study associated with the specific unit carefully, then proceed as follows:

1. Prepare a response that is 750 words or maximum of 3 pages double-spaced (excluding title page and reference page). You should follow APA format and referencing style.
2. While there is no formula for analyzing case studies, the following guidelines are recommended:
   1. Define the outcomes and objectives for your analysis. What questions are you trying to answer and what issues are you trying to resolve?
   2. Skim through the case study and get a sense for how it has been structured
   3. Read through the case study with paper and pencil and make notes as you go along.
   4. Make sure to include a comprehensive introduction and conclusion to your report.

Prepare your report as an essay, summarizing the responses to the questions below.

1. Describe the major components of the strategic management process and if/how the case fulfills these?
2. Does IBMs Watsons Jeopardy Project Represent a Change in Strategy?
3. What impact will Artificial Intelligence (AI) have on the field of project management?

Evaluation

Activity/Competencies Demonstrated	Grade
Critical Analysis and Conclusions	/70
Outcomes and objectives effectively identified	/30
Conclusions, solutions and recommendations are appropriate and supported	/40
Communication	/20
Uses language clearly and effectively	/10
Information organized intelligently and holistically	/10
Attention to Detail	/10
APA Referencing and formatting of titles, headings & references (when used)	/5
Spelling and grammar	/5
Total	/100